Inline swivel connection for multi-lumen tubing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for connecting multi-lumen conduits may include a conduit adapter and a conduit collar. The conduit adapter may include a housing, a bayonet connector, and a support member connecting the housing and the bayonet connector. The support member has an aperture that permits fluid communication through the support member. One end of the conduit collar is sized for insertion into the housing, and a second end is adapted to receive a first multi-lumen conduit. The housing also is adapted to receive a second multi-lumen conduit. The bayonet connector engages a primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit and the second multi-lumen conduit such that the primary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit fluidly communicates with the primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit. The conduit adapter and the conduit collar are capable of 360 degree rotation relative to each other about a common axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/794,724 filed Apr. 25, 2006, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to methods and devices for conductingfluids and gases within a reduced pressure treatment system. Theinvention relates more specifically to an inline connector formulti-lumen tubing that allows free rotation of one end of the tubingwith respect to the other end of the tubing.

2. Description of Related Art

General Background of Tissue Treatment

Various therapies have been developed over time to facilitate theprocess of tissue growth and healing. Wound closure is one applicationof tissue growth and healing. Wound closure generally involves theinward migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissue adjacent thewound. This migration is ordinarily assisted by the inflammatoryprocess, whereby blood flow is increased and various functional celltypes are activated. As a result of the inflammatory process, blood flowthrough damaged or broken vessels is stopped by capillary levelocclusion, whereafter cleanup and rebuilding operations may begin.Unfortunately, this process is hampered when a wound is large or hasbecome infected. In such wounds, a zone of stasis (i.e. an area in whichlocalized swelling of tissue restricts the flow of blood to the tissues)forms near the surface of the wound.

Without sufficient blood flow, the epithelial and subcutaneous tissuessurrounding the wound not only receive diminished oxygen and nutrients,but are also less able to successfully fight bacterial infection and,thus, less able to naturally close the wound and heal the tissue.Additionally, some wounds harden and inflame to such a degree thatclosure by stapling or suturing is not feasible. Examples of wounds notreadily treatable with staples or suturing include large, deep, openwounds; decubitus ulcers; ulcers resulting from chronic osteomyelitis;and partial thickness burns that subsequently develop into fullthickness burns.

As a result of the shortcomings of mechanical wound closure devices,methods and apparatuses for draining wounds by applying continuousand/or periodic reduced pressures have been developed. When applied overa sufficient area of the wound, such reduced pressures have been foundto promote the migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues towardthe wound. In practice, the application of reduced pressure to a woundtypically involves the mechanical-like contraction of the wound withsimultaneous removal of excess fluid. In this manner, reduced pressuretreatment augments the body's natural inflammatory process whilealleviating many of the known intrinsic side effects, such as theproduction of edema caused by increased blood flow absent the necessaryvascular structure for proper venous return.

One important component of a reduced pressure treatment system is theconduit system that connects the reduced pressure source (a vacuum pump,typically) to the tissue contact components (a granular foam layer orother manifolding device, typically) enclosed within a pad or wounddressing. This reduced pressure conduit structure may include a morecomplex multi-lumen structure in order to provide ancillary conduits formonitoring and alternative treatment regimens. The ability to maintain aclear, consistent, and leak-free connection is important within aneffective reduced pressure treatment system. Various efforts have beenmade in the past to provide suitable conduit configurations toeffectively connect the reduced pressure source to the tissue treatmentsite at the wound bed.

Efforts to Maintain Conduit Connection Integrity

A variety of systems and devices are utilized in the veterinary medicineenvironment to connect animal subjects to medical instrumentation. Inboth research and treatment situations it is often necessary to connectelectrical wires and tubular conduit lines between stationaryinstrumentation and the subject animal that is typically moving about anenclosure when not sedated. The use of reduced pressure tissue treatmentregimens with animal subjects, both for research purposes (i.e. todevelop systems intended for human use) and for veterinary systemsintended for animal treatment, has become more frequent. Such reducedpressure tissue treatment systems are implemented on a variety ofanimals, large and small, from mice and rats to rabbits and sheep.

Inherent in reduced pressure tissue treatment systems is the use of anumber of tubular conduit lines connecting the tissue site on thesubject animal to stationary instrumentation typically in the form ofnegative pressure sources and the associated fluid containers. Withhuman patients, it is often possible (although certainly not alwayspossible) to insist upon reduced mobility or even immobile conditions inorder to carry out the tissue treatment. With animal patients, this isof course generally not possible at all unless the animal is sedated. Asthe preference is to permit the tissue to heal over a period of time, itis generally not practical to maintain sedation of an animal to carryout either research or treatment with reduced pressure application. Theproblems that arise therefore in maintaining an effective connectionbetween the negative pressure instrumentation and the reduced pressuretreatment dressing can become complex. A direct connection between theinstrumentation and the wound dressing can quickly become disabled withthe movement of the subject animal even within a relatively smallenclosure. Typically the movement includes not just side to side motion,but rotational motion often in the form of walking circles around theenclosure. A direct link therefore with tubing between theinstrumentation and the wound site could never be maintained withoutsome rotationally moveable connection.

Efforts have been made in the past to provide swivel or rotationalconnections between tubing or other liquid/gas conduits between apatient or subject animal and the associated treatment instrumentation.Where the tubing is a single lumen tube, this swivel connectiongenerally need not be complex. However, where multi-lumen tubing isutilized, maintaining the structural simplicity of the connector becomesmore challenging. Many reduced pressure tissue treatment systems doutilize multi-lumen tubing to carry out a number of functions betweenthe instrumentation and the wound site. Typically a large primary lumenis used to conduct the reduced pressure to the wound site and therebydraw out fluids and exudates from the wound bed. Ancillary to thislarger primary lumen are typically one or more (often four radiallyspaced) smaller lumens that serve to provide a clear path between thereduced pressure treatment instrumentation and the wound site for thepurpose of measuring pressure or carrying out other similar therapeuticfunctions. It is important for these ancillary lumens to remain clear inorder for accurate pressure measurements to be made and the treatmentregimen to be carried out accurately. Many efforts have been made toisolate the primary lumen from the ancillay lumens in order to preventthe clogging or contamination of the smaller ancillary lumens withfluids and solids being withdrawn from the wound bed.

Some past efforts have focused on providing movable instrumentation bypositioning the reduced pressure treatment equipment on an elevatedturntable that freely rotates above the animal enclosure and enjoys adirect connection (without an inline swivel tubing connector) betweenthe instrumentation and the wound dressing. Such efforts clearly suffer,however, from the complexities associated with maintaining a turntableintegrating all of the electronic and electrical components necessary tocarry out the reduced pressure treatment regimens prescribed. Inaddition, such systems generally work only for very large animalsubjects as even with the best support structures a greater force isrequired to initiate the rotation of the entire instrument ladenturntable.

A number of problems arise in attempting to provide a swivel connectorfor a multi-lumen tube of the structure described above. Initially, acertain level of complexity is required in order to address theconnections between more than a single lumen, even where the ancillarylumens are positioned radially outward from the primary lumen, as istypically the case. The continuity of all lumens must be maintainedthrough the swivel connection. An added concern, however, is theincreased risk of cross-contamination between the larger primary lumenand the ancillary smaller lumens that need to remain clear. Any leakagein the swivel connector structure could cause fluids and solids to findtheir way into the small ancillary lumens, thereby clogging those linesand reducing or preventing the effectiveness of the reduced pressuretreatment system.

One further complication that arises as a result of the application ofsuch reduced pressure treatment systems to veterinary environments isthe wide range in animal size that the systems must accommodate. Inorder to prevent cross-contamination or leakage in general from a tubingconnector, it is necessary that the connector be sufficiently sealed.Providing a tight seal, however, works contrary to the generalrequirement of providing an easily rotatable connection. The smaller thesubject animal involved, the more easily rotatable the connection mustbe in order to be effective. Larger animals and most human subjects mayof course readily rotate a tighter connection. Smaller animals and smallchildren may be wholly unable to rotate a tight connection, resulting inan ineffective swivel connector.

There is a significant need therefore for a rotating or swivel connectorfor use in conjunction with multi-lumen conduit of the type typicallyutilized in reduced pressure tissue treatment systems. It would bedesirable if such a connector could accommodate both large and smallanimals, as well as human subjects, through an adjustment of theconnection and therefore the rotational force required to turn theconnection. In addition, because such connectors often become points offluid and solid material deposits, it would be desirable if such aconnector could be constructed of inexpensive and therefore disposablematerial that would not require the connector to be repeatedly cleanedbetween uses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems presented by existing treatment systems are solved by thesystems and methods of the present invention.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatusfor connecting multi-lumen conduits is provided. In such an embodiment,the apparatus comprises a conduit adapter and a conduit collar. Theconduit adapter may include a housing, a bayonet connector, and asupport member connecting the housing and the bayonet connector. Thebayonet connector generally has a single bore extending lengthwisethrough the connector, and optionally a conduit stop that limits theextent to which the connector may be inserted into a conduit. Thesupport member includes at least one aperture that permits fluid or gascommunication through the support member. The conduit collar has a firstend and a second end. The first end is sized for insertion into thehousing, and the second end is adapted to receive a first multi-lumenconduit. The housing is adapted to receive the first end of the conduitcollar such that the bayonet connector engages a primary lumen of thefirst multi-lumen conduit and the primary lumen of the first multi-lumenconduit fluidly communicates with the bore. The housing also is adaptedto receive a second multi-lumen conduit such that the bayonet connectorengages a primary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit, and theprimary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit fluidly communicateswith the bore and the primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit.The conduit adapter and the conduit collar are capable of 360 degreerotation relative to each other about an axis shared by the conduitadapter and the conduit collar, while permitting fluid communicationbetween ancillary lumens of the first multi-lumen conduit and the secondmulti-lumen conduit through the aperture in the support member.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a swivel connectorassembly for connecting multi-lumen conduits is provided. In such anembodiment the assembly comprises a connection collar having a firstthreaded section, a first bulkhead positioned within the connectioncollar, a conduit adapter, a bearing collar having a second threadedsection, a spacer collar, a mounting plate, a shaft, a bearing assembly,and a conduit collar. The conduit adapter comprises a housing, a bayonetconnector having a single bore and a conduit stop, a support memberconnecting the housing and the bayonet connector, and an aperturethrough the support member. The spacer collar is positioned between theconnection collar and the bearing collar, and the mounting plate betweenthe bearing collar and the connection collar. One end of the bearingassembly is coupled to the shaft. The threaded section of the bearingcollar is engaged with the threaded section of the connection collar. Afirst end of the conduit collar is positioned within the adapter and thesecond end of the conduit collar is positioned within the shaft.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed descriptionthat follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded side view having a portion shown with hidden linesof a swivel connector assembly according to an embodiment of the presentinvention including a conduit connector for receiving two multi-lumenconduits;

FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conduit adapter of theswivel connector assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a schematic end view of the conduit adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a schematic, longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conduitcollar;

FIG. 3B is a schematic, cross-sectional side view of the conduit collarof FIGS. 1 and 3A and a second multi-lumen conduit inserted into theconduit adapter of FIGS. 1 and 2A having a first multi-lumen conduit;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the assembled swivel connectorassembly of FIG. 1 positioned on a bracket assembly with the multi-lumenconduits shown in cross section;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, exploded side view, with a portion shown withbroken lines, of a swivel connector assembly according to anotherembodiment of the present invention, the swivel connector assembly isshown with multi-lumen conduits in cross section;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view, with a portion shown in perspectiveview, of a reduced pressure treatment system incorporating a swivelconnector and bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view, with a portion shown in perspectiveview, of a reduced pressure treatment system incorporating a swivelconnector and a rotating adapter at a dressing according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the rotating adapter of FIG.7; and

FIG. 9 is an assembled cross-sectional side view of the rotating adapterof FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferredembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments maybe utilized and that logical mechanical, structural, and chemicalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in theart to practice the invention, the description may omit certaininformation known to those skilled in the art. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

A rotating swivel connector according to one embodiment of the presentinvention is used in conjunction with multi-lumen conduit, such as thetype often used in reduced pressure treatment systems. The connectorassembly comprises a conduit adapter and a conduit collar that mate twosections of tubing together in a manner that allows for relatively freerotation. Surrounding the conduit adapter and the conduit collar arelarger, threaded enclosure components that control the relative, axialpositioning of the conduit adapter and the conduit collar, which servesto maintain a connection and vary the level of force required to rotatethe connection. A group of “stationary components” position and hold aconduit that typically extends from the instrumentation used in areduced pressure treatment system. A second group of components,generally characterized as “rotational components,” include a rotationalbearing assembly that is attached to a rotating shaft that grips andpositions the conduit collar, which is attached to a conduit connectedto a subject animal or human patient (at the tissue site). The assemblymay be modified to accommodate significant variations in the size of thesubject animal or the human patient. The basic components allow the userto vary the tightness of the connection, and therefore the ease withwhich the connection swivels or rotates, by rotating one threadedenclosure component into or out from a second threaded enclosurecomponent, thereby varying the amount of rotational friction between theconduit adapter and the conduit collar.

Referring to FIG. 1, a swivel connector assembly 5 according to anembodiment of the present invention includes stationary components 10and rotational components 12. In FIG. 1, a section of multi-lumenconduit 14 is connected between the swivel connector assembly 5 and thereduced pressure treatment system instrumentation (as shown in FIGS. 6and 7). A second conduit 16 extends from the swivel connector assembly 5to a subject animal or patient, or more specifically, to a dressingpositioned on the subject. In general, an axial line indicated in dashedand dotted format in FIG. 1 represents the axis of assembly and symmetryaround which these generally cylindrical components are placed andconnected.

The stationary components 10 may include a bulkhead 18, which receivesthe conduit 14 through a central passage 19. The bulkhead 18 ispositioned within and is rigidly connected to a connection collar 20,which is generally stationary with respect to the reduced pressuretreatment system instrumentation and which forms a first half of twothreaded enclosure components. In certain embodiments, the connectioncollar 20 may be a PVC component of the type typically used to connect aPVC pipe section to a female (threaded) iron pipe (FIP) section. Theconnection collar 20 includes a threaded section that allowsadjustability of the swivel connector. The threaded section ispreferably internal to the connection collar 20.

The stationary components 10 may further include a conduit adapter 22,which is attached to conduit 14 only after conduit 14 has passed throughthe central passage 19 of the bulkhead 18. The conduit 14 typically ispress-fit into the conduit adapter 22. A set screw 23 or other fastenermay secure the conduit adapter 22 within the central passage 19 of thebulkhead 18. Likewise, a plurality of set screws (3 or 4 in certainembodiments) may secure the bulkhead 18 within the connection collar 20,one of which is seen in the orientation of FIG. 1. Alternatively, eitherthe central passage 19 or the conduit adapter 22 may be tapered so thatconduit adapter 22 is rigidly fixed in the bulkhead 18 when pressed intoposition.

Forming the second half of the two threaded enclosure components,connectable to the connection collar 20, is a bearing collar 26. In oneembodiment, the bearing collar 26 is constructed in the manner of a PVCadapter of the type that connects a PVC pipe to a male (threaded) ironpipe (MIP) fitting. A spacer collar 24 may be positioned around thethreads of bearing collar 26 in order to control the tightness of theconnection and the seal between the internal conduit adapter 22 and aconduit collar 30. Also among the stationary components 10 is a snapring 28, which may be compressed inward and then released to fit withina slot 29 positioned in the bearing collar 26 once the rotationalcomponents 12 (described in detail below) have been installed therein.Also shown in conjunction with the stationary components 10 is amounting plate 36, positioned between the connection collar 20 and thebearing collar 26. A large central aperture receives the threadedsection of the bearing collar 26 and permits the threaded rotation ofthe bearing collar 26 into or out of the connection collar 20, asdescribed. The mounting plate 36 may include a plurality of peripheralbolt holes to attach the plate, and thus the swivel connector assembly5, to a bracket or the like associated with an animal enclosure.Typically, the mounting of the swivel connector assembly 5 would be in aposition above an animal on the top of an enclosure or on a bracketextending from the top edge of a wall of the enclosure.

The conduit adapter 22 is secured within the combination of thestationary components 10 and attached to the conduit 14 through thebulkhead 18. The geometry of the conduit adapter 22 and the conduitcollar 30 are coaxially aligned within the enclosure components when theenclosure components are fixed in place, as described. The tightnesswith which the conduit adapter 22 and the conduit collar 30 are mated iscontrolled in part by the degree to which the bearing collar 26 isthreaded into the connection collar 20. The connection collar 20, thebearing collar 26, and the spacer collar 24 are preferably constructedof PVC material. The bulkhead 18 is preferably constructed from acylindrical block of polyoxymethylene plastic sold under the trademarkDELRIN.

The rotational components 12 may include the conduit collar 30, a firstshaft member 32, and a portion of a bearing assembly 34. The bearingassembly 34 may include one or more bearing sets 35 (two shown in FIG.1). Each bearing set 35 generally includes an inner race (not shown) andan outer race 39, separated by ball bearings, roller bearings, or otherbeatings. The inner race of each bearing set 35 is positioned on asecond shaft member 37, which includes a flanged end 38. The multi-lumenconduit 16 passes through the second shaft member 37 and the first shaftmember 32 to a point where it press-fits into the conduit collar 30.This combination of the multi-lumen conduit 16 and the conduit collar 30is positioned within a central bore 33 of the first shaft member 32, andmay be fixed there with a set screw 23 or other fastener through adrilled aperture in shaft 32, as shown. The first shaft member 32 ispositioned onto the second shaft member 37, and likewise may be rigidlyfixed thereto with a set screw 23 or other fastener through the drilledaperture in shaft 32. Alternatively, the second shaft member 37 may beextended and manufactured to include the central bore 33, such that aseparate first shaft member 32 is not necessary. If the first shaftmember 32 and the second shaft 37 member are manufactured as separatecomponents, the first shaft member 32 is preferably constructed from acylindrical block of polyoxymethylene plastic sold under the trademarkDELRIN, and is generally of sufficient length to extend through thebearing collar 26 so that conduit collar 30 may be inserted into conduitadapter 22 when the components are assembled.

The bearing assembly 34 provides a heavy duty, rotatable assembly thatreceives the multi-lumen conduit 16. As mentioned above, the axialalignment and assembly of the entire set of components (both stationaryand rotating) is generally indicated by the axial line shown in FIG. 1.The snap ring 28 is withdrawn from this linear arrangement of componentsuntil such time as the assembly of rotating components 12 is insertedinto the stationary components 10, whereafter the snap ring 28 is putinto place and serves to hold the entire assembly of rotating components12, and in particular the bearing assembly 34, within the enclosureestablished by the stationary components 10. As additional protectionfor the multi-lumen conduit 16, a flexible metal sheath (not shown),such as of a BX Cable type, may encapsulate the conduit 16 and beattached to the flanged end 38 of the shaft 37. The flexible sheathextends from the swivel connector to a dressing (or harness) positionedon a subject animal or patient. Such a sheath rotates with the conduit16 and the rotational components 12. The sheath protects the conduit 16from being damaged by chewing or other activity by the animal orpatient, and also transmits rotational force from the dressing to theswivel connector 5.

The conduit adapter 22 and the conduit collar 30 mate together looselyin a manner described in more detail below, but are held in positionagainst each other by the structural geometry of the components and theenclosure shown. The degree of insertion of the conduit collar 30 intothe conduit adapter 22 determines the tightness of the seal between theconduit 14 and the conduit 16. An o-ring 42 within the conduit adapter22 mates with an end surface 45 of the conduit collar 30 when theconduit collar 30 is inserted within the conduit adapter 22. The amountof force exerted by the conduit collar 30 on the o-ring 42 determinesthe ease with which the conduit collar 30 rotates within the conduitadapter 22. This force may be increased by tightening the threadedconnection between the bearing collar 26 and the connection collar 20.Similarly, the force applied by the conduit collar 30 to the o-ring 42may be decreased by loosening the threaded connection between thebearing collar 26 and the connection collar 20.

The bearing assembly 34 permits the rotational components 12 to rotatefreely but for the frictional contact between the o-ring 42 and theconduit collar 30. Turning the bearing collar 26 with respect to theconnection collar 20 to tighten the swivel connector assembly 5increases the friction between the o-ring 42 and the conduit collar 30,and thereby reduces the ease with which the swivel connector assembly 5turns. Conversely, turning the bearing collar 26 to loosen the swivelconnector assembly increases the ease with which the swivel connectorassembly 5 turns. While it is desired that the rotational components 12rotate easily within the stationary components 10, the conduit collar 30must engage the o-ring 42 with enough force to maintain a seal betweenthe conduit collar 30 and the conduit adapter 22. To lessen thefrictional force between the conduit collar 30 and the o-ring 42, alubricant is preferably applied to the o-ring 42.

The internal structure of the conduit adapter 22 and the conduit collar30, shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, allow fluidcommunication between ancillary lumens in the multi-lumen conduits 14and 16 without interruption and without cross contamination with theprimary lumen. As shown in FIG. 2A, the conduit adapter 22 includes abayonet connector 40 having a bore 48, a housing 41, and a supportmember 43. The support member 43 provides a generally rigid connectionbetween the housing 41 and the bayonet connector 40. One or moreapertures 44 penetrate the support member 43. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2A, the support member 43 has a width that is thinrelative to the length of the bayonet connector 40 and the housing 41.Alternatively, though, the support member 43 may have any configurationthat maintains the position of the bayonet connector relative to thehousing 41 while permitting fluid communication through the supportmember 43. The bayonet connector 40 penetrates and engages the primarylumens of the conduit 14 and the conduit 16. A conduit stop 46 limitsthe penetration of the bayonet connector 40 into the conduit 14 so as tomaintain a cavity between the conduit 14 and the aperture 44. Theconduit stop 46 also may limit the penetration of the bayonet connector40 into the conduit 16. Alternatively, the bayonet connector 40 may betapered to limit the penetration into the conduit 14 and the conduit 16.The bayonet connector 40, the housing 41, and the support member 43 maybe manufactured as a single integrated component, or as separatecomponents that are subsequently assembled. The o-ring 42 is positionedto provide an appropriate seal to isolate the ancillary lumens of theconduit 16 from the external environment when the conduit adapter 22 andthe conduit collar 30 are assembled. A second o-ring (not shown) mayoptionally be positioned in the interior of the conduit adapter 22 onthe side of the support member 43 opposite the o-ring 42 to further sealthe ancillary lumens of the conduit 14 from the external environment.

FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of the peripheral apertures 44 in theconduit adapter 22 that permit fluid communication between the ancillarylumens of the multi-lumen conduits 14 and 16.

A cross-section of the conduit collar 30 is shown in FIG. 3A, alignedwith the multi-lumen conduit 16. An external surface 50 of the conduitcollar 30 is sufficiently smooth to allow the conduit collar 30 torotate within the conduit adapter 22. The internal bore 52 of theconduit collar 30 is sized to accommodate the press-fit insertion of theconduit 16, which generally includes a primary lumen 59 b and ancillarylumens 56 a and 56 b. A conduit stop 53 limits the penetration of theconduit 16 into the conduit collar 30, leaving a gap between opening 55and the end of the conduit 16. It should be noted that some variation inthe depth with which the conduit collar 30 may be inserted into theconduit adapter 22 allows for similar variations in the tightness of theoverall swivel connection.

FIG. 3B is a cross-section of an assembly comprising the conduit 14, theconduit adapter 22, the conduit collar 30, and the conduit 16. Theconduit 14 is pressed into position in the conduit adapter 22 so thatthe primary lumen 59 a engages the bayonet connector 40. The conduit 16is pressed into the conduit collar 30, which is pressed into the end ofthe conduit adapter 22 so that the primary lumen 59 b engages thebayonet connector 40 on the end opposite the conduit 14. Moreover, theconduit stop 46 (or the taper of bayonet connector 40) prevents theconduit 14 from contacting the support member 43. Consequently, there isa cavity between the ancillary lumens 58 a and 58 b and the apertures 44in the support member 43. Likewise, the conduit collar 30 prevents theconduit 16 from contacting the support member 44, leaving a cavitybetween the ancillary lumens 56 a and 56 b and the apertures 44. Thecavity on each side of the apertures 44 permits fluid communicationbetween the ancillary lumens via the apertures 44, regardless of therelative orientation of the conduits 14 and 16.

FIG. 4 provides an example of the manner in which a swivel connectorassembly may be mounted over or on top of an enclosure or the like. Abracket frame 60 receives and retains a mounting bracket 36 as shown.The frame 60 provides a variety of mounting apertures to position andsecure the frame and the swivel connector to some part of the enclosure62.

Reference is finally made to FIG. 5 for a brief description of analternate embodiment of the invention, sized and dimensioned to besuitable for use in conjunction with smaller animal subjects. The basicprinciples of the previously described embodiment are retained in theassembly 70 shown in FIG. 5 with commensurate reductions in size andweight to a number of the components.

The conduit adapter 22 and the conduit collar 30 of the connectorassembly are the same as in the previous description, as are theconduits 14 and 16. Wire wound conduit shield 82 is provided in thisembodiment to cover the length of the conduit 16 that extends from theswivel connector to the subject animal. The rotating components of theembodiment shown comprise the conduit 16, the conduit shield 82, theconduit collar 30, the shaft 74, and the bearing assembly 76. The shaft74 retains the conduit shield 82 by way of a set screw 23 or otherfastener, and thereby retains the conduit collar 30 attached to theconduit 16. The shaft 74 and the bearing assembly 76 may be a unitarycomponent or separate components. The bearing assembly 76 is secured (byway of the stationary exterior portion of the bearing) within thebearing collar 78.

The stationary components of this alternative embodiment include thebearing collar 78, the bulkhead 72, the conduit adapter 22, and theconduit 14. As in the previously described embodiment, the conduitadapter 22 is press-fit onto the conduit 14 after the conduit 14 haspassed through a central bore in the bulkhead 72. These two componentsare then secured within bulkhead 72 by way of a set screw 23 or otherfastener, as shown. A mounting bracket 80 is independently attached tothe bearing collar 78, rather than included in the threaded assemblydescribed above. This may be accomplished by either attaching thebracket 80 to the bearing collar 78 by way of screws or bolts or byclamping the bearing collar 78 within a mounting frame (not shown) thatis itself attached to the mounting bracket 80. The bracket 80 has acentral aperture to permit the passage of the combination of the conduitshield 82 and the conduit 16.

Operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is similar to that describedabove. The components shown serve to position the conduit adapter 22 andthe conduit collar 30 such that upon assembly of the swivel connectorthey align and engage to complete the conduit connection. The use of thedescribed embodiment only in conjunction with a smaller sized animalsubject reduces the need for variation in the tightness of the seal andtherefore of the rotational freedom of the swivel. Some variation may beachieved by varying the specific placement of the set screws involved inthe assembly of the device, but is not generally required in practice.As with the first described embodiment, the swivel may be mounted to anenclosure (not shown) or the like, preferably in a vertical orientationwith the combination of the conduit shield 82 and the conduit 16 beingdirected to an animal subject from above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a swivel connector in conjunction with a reducedpressure treatment system. The swivel connector 64 is positioned withina bracket frame 60, which is in turn secured to an elevated supportstructure 62 as described above. The conduit 14 connects to the reducedpressure treatment system instrumentation 90, which comprises aneffluent collection container 94, a reduced pressure pump 96, andmonitoring instrumentation 98. These instrumentation components areconnected to the conduit 14 by way of a manifold connector 92 in amanner known in the art. The combination of the reduced pressuretreatment instrumentation 90 and the swivel connector assembly comprisethe stationary components of the overall reduced pressure treatmentsystem.

The movable components of the reduced pressure treatment system begin atthe swivel connector 64 and extend towards an animal subject or humanpatient by way of the conduit 16. The conduit 16 connects to the tissuetreatment site, typically through a dressing 100 as shown. In FIG. 6,the dressing 100 comprises a granulated foam material 102 positionedwithin the tissue, with an adapter 104 positioned in a centralizedlocation on the foam material 102. An adhesive drape 106 is typicallyplaced over the foam 102, but allows for passage through to the adapter104. The conduit 16 connects the dressing 100 to the swivel connector 64in a manner that permits the generally free movement (rotation) of theconduit 16 below the swivel connector. In the case of animal subjects itmay be necessary to position the dressing 100 within a harness thatimmobilizes the conduit 16 on the animal subject and transfers therequired motion up to the swivel connector 64. Similar, althoughtypically less substantial, patient conduit immobilizing measures may betaken with human subjects as well, in order to direct the rotationalmotion up to the swivel connector 64, which is designed to accommodatesuch motion. In this manner, the system of the present invention allowsfor the maintenance of the integrity of the conduit connecting thereduced pressure treatment instrumentation 90 with the tissue treatmentsite while permitting greater freedom of motion for the animal subjector human patient.

FIG. 7 discloses an alternate arrangement of the system shown generallyin FIG. 6 with the substitution of a rotating adapter 108 coupled to thedressing 100. The components the adapter 108 may be configured to allowthe rotation of the port connection 110 with respect to the dressing 100as shown. In this manner, some of the required motion (rotation) may beaccommodated by the adapter 108, and some of the motion transferred tothe swivel connector 64. The result is even greater freedom of motionwith less force required given the additional location of rotationalmovement.

Reference is finally made to FIGS. 8 and 9 for a description of theconfiguration of the rotating adapter 108 shown in FIG. 7. The rotatingadapter 108 shown in FIG. 8 employs a hard plastic inner core that formsa bearing surface to enable a rubber o-ring to seal against it and alsoto enable the bearing surface to slide past with relatively lowfriction. Bonded to the hard plastic inner core is a soft thermoplasticor elastomeric polymer that acts as a protective and cushioning cover.FIGS. 8 and 9 show the various circular ring components that go togetherto make up the rotating adapter 108. A top rotating PVC component 110covers a top ABS insert ring 114, which is surrounded by a rubber o-ring116. A bottom ABS insert ring 118 is shown that holds o-ring 116 captivebetween it and the top ABS insert 114. Each of these rings is thenfitted within the bottom PVC ring 112, which contacts with the dressing100.

FIG. 9 discloses the same components of the rotating adapter 108described above as they would be assembled and thereby shows in clearerdetail the manner in which the components interlock and rotate with oragainst each other. In this view, the captive o-ring 116 is also shownto provide a proper seal for the internal reduced pressure chamberformed by the rotating adapter 108. In this view it is also clear howthe internal features and elements in the port opening are configured toappropriately position the reduced pressure treatment conduits at thedressing 100 regardless of the rotational orientation of the conduitconnected to the adapter 108.

Once again, however, in either of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 & 7,the system allows for the maintenance of the integrity of the conduitconnecting the reduced pressure treatment instrumentation 90 with thetissue site while permitting greater freedom of motion for an animalsubject or human patient.

Although the invention has been described in terms of the foregoingpreferred embodiments, this description has been provided by way ofexplanation only, and is not intended to be construed as a limitation ofthe invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize modificationsthat might accommodate specific animal subjects, human patients, andtissue healing environments. Such modifications as to size, geometry,and even system configuration, where such modifications are merelycoincidental to the animal subject, the human patient, to the type oftissue, or to the type of treatment being applied, do not necessarilydepart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus for connecting multi-lumen conduits, each multi-lumenconduit having a primary lumen and at least one ancillary lumen, theapparatus comprising: a conduit adapter having: a housing having a firstend and a second end, a tubular connector positioned within the housingand having a bore extending along the longitudinal axis of the tubularconnector, wherein a first end of the tubular connector is configured toreceive a first multi-lumen conduit, and a support member connecting thehousing and the tubular connector, wherein the support member is formedwith at least one aperture therethrough; a conduit collar having a firstend and a second end and having an internal bore, the first end beingsized for insertion into the second end of the housing and rotationalwithin the housing, the second end of the conduit collar beingconfigured to receive a second multi-lumen conduit within the internalbore of the conduit collar; wherein the tubular connector is configuredto rotationally engage the primary lumen of the second multi-lumenconduit while permitting fluid communication between the primary lumensof the first end and second multi-lumen conduits via the bore of thetubular connector; wherein the support member is configured to permitfluid communication between the at least one ancillary lumen of thefirst and second multi-lumen conduits via the at least one aperture;wherein the bore of the tubular connector is configured to maintainfluid communication between the primary lumens and the at least oneaperture maintains fluid communication between the ancillary lumens whenthe first and second multi-lumen conduits are subjected to relativerotation between them; wherein the conduit adapter is secured to abulkhead; a bearing collar rigidly secured to the bulkhead; a firstshaft member having a first end rigidly secured to the conduit collar,and a second end; and a bearing assembly fixed on the second end of thefirst shaft member and rigidly positioned within the bearing collarwhereby the conduit collar and the second multi-lumen conduit are freeto rotate within the bearing collar relative to the bulkhead.